Interstellar: Return of the Villain
Chapter 52: NMA Principle

Chapter 52: NMA Principle

"Are you serious? Cohen Whyte wrote her college recommendation letter?" Kylie was stunned, her voice shaking. "My sister never told me that. That stupid kid, Jorath or whatever, said she was just an orphan from Voidstar..."

"It’s too late for this now, Chilla. Take care," the guy said, getting ready to leave. But Kylie grabbed his arm.

"Please help me... or at least tell my family, for the sake of what we had."

He sighed, shaking his head. "Chilla, the school’s already expelled you. Get your stuff and go."

Not even her grandfather, a retired general, could save her now.

Less than an hour later, Kylie Chilla was taken away by the police. The people at NMA were confused until the school’s official website announced her punishment.

Meanwhile, in the principal’s office, Lyra was signing a contract for a new type of anti-surveillance robot and a small medical device.

"Can’t you give me a discount?" she asked.

The principal, a chubby old man, squinted, making him look less like the kind big cat he resembled.

Lyra, resolute, replied, "Just applying for the patent cost over a million. Selling to the school at a 30% discount with a five-year contract is already generous."

The principal smirked, "Stingy."

"Likewise," Lyra shot back, stamping the contract and handing over a copy. "The anti-surveillance robots will arrive in three days, and the medical devices in ten."

Both of them smiled, satisfied with the deal.

Lyra stepped out of the office to find Sean pacing nervously.

"Did you sell it?" he asked.

"I told you, your product just needs a market," Lyra replied.

Sean frowned at the mention of the 30% discount. "Did the school not like it?"

Lyra explained, "The discount is because of my status. Selling to NMA means it will sell well on Planet Nagano, and we’ll avoid many problems."

Having a military school as a customer was a big advantage.

"Go back and tell Sorren to personally oversee the factory. If there’s an issue, he’ll be in trouble."

After parting ways with Sean, Lyra watched the setting sun and sent a message to someone.

The reply came with a question mark.

"I haven’t thanked you since I joined the military school. Are you free?"

"Sure, I’ll pick a place."

Feeling relieved, Lyra returned to her dorm room and stood in front of her wardrobe, feeling conflicted.

Zinnia and Mandy were in the middle of a movie when they noticed Lyra looking stressed. "Wow, Lyra, are you actually worried about what to wear?"

With Vivian not around, Mandy joined the fun. "We can help you pick something out!"

Girls generally know their fashion, but Lyra was the exception. They opened her wardrobe and were taken aback.

It looked more like a guy’s closet, full of T-shirts, tank tops, soft armor jackets, and dark work or military pants.

After some digging, they finally found a few girly outfits in a corner. As they searched, they asked, "Where are you going, anyway?"

"For dinner with a guy."

"What?"

Both turned to her, eyes wide, and bombarded her with questions. "Is he in our year or a senior?"

"Is he from the school or outside?"

"Is he good-looking?"

Lyra just raised an eyebrow, "He’s an active military officer."

Her friends were stunned speechless. Of course, Lyra would bypass all the boys at school and go for the real deal.

They each picked an outfit they thought would work. Zinnia chose a sexy leather skirt and crop top, while Mandy went with a pure white dress with a ruffled collar.

"This is sexy; guys love it," Zinnia argued.

"No way. Only you could pull that off. Lyra can’t," Mandy countered. "Besides, Lyra is too flat; the crop top will just fall off!"

Zinnia glanced between herself and Lyra, a bit sympathetic. She tossed the leather skirt onto the bed and patted Lyra’s shoulder. "Don’t worry, they’ll grow."

Lyra didn’t get their obsession. Her chest size didn’t affect her plans. She grabbed the white dress.

Just as she was about to change, she shot them a look. They took the hint and left, missing the scars on her body.

After some convincing, Lyra put on a bob wig. With her expressionless face, the transformation was stunning.

Zinnia and Mandy gasped. "You look like a doll!"

Lyra glanced at her reflection, satisfied. "This disguise works well."

No one at school would recognize her.

"Leaving now."

Zinnia punched the air. "Lyra, make sure to win him over!"

Lyra took the air rail to the downtown area of Bluewater. Under many admiring glances, she took a lev to a secluded private restaurant.

A waitress in a business dress greeted her with a smile. "Hello, miss, do you have a reservation?"

"Chamber number one."

The waitress seemed surprised but stepped aside. "This way, please."

On the way, she discreetly observed Lyra. ’So delicate and beautiful, and lucky, of course,’ she thought, ’it was no wonder she got an invitation from him.’

"We’ve arrived."

Lyra nodded slightly and entered, sitting by the window. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Even her small talk was cold and distant.

Across from her sat a young man in a white military uniform, shoulder stars shining brightly. He looked impeccable, with broad shoulders, a slim waist, and long legs.

His hat was on the table, and his slightly curly hair made him look almost radiant, noble, and steady. "I came early."

It was Cohen.

His light amber eyes reflected the soft glow of the lights. He had seen Lyra in many different ways: fierce, frail in a lab coat, always surprising him. This time was no different.

Even though she wasn’t his type, she easily earned his admiration. "I didn’t think you would wear this kind of outfit. It looks very nice."

Lyra’s response caught him off guard. "Even though I’m not a romantic person, I do understand basic social etiquette."

She loved simpler style, but that didn’t mean she’d wear a tank top and cargo pants to a date with a man.